FIDE maintains ban on Russian and Belarusian chess players

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has rejected a proposal to readmit Russia and Belarus, which were banned due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, FIDE expressed openness to allowing players under 12 or with disabilities from these countries to participate in future events.

During FIDE’s General Assembly on Sunday, a proposal by the Kyrgyz Chess Union to reinstate Russia and Belarus in international competitions was denied. "After careful consideration, the majority of FIDE council members have concluded that the current circumstances do not provide sufficient grounds to support the motions from the Kyrgyz Chess Union," stated FIDE in an official release prior to the vote.

FIDE held its 2024 general assembly on Sunday. FIDE

The decision to maintain the ban was a continuation of the 2022 suspension, which followed the onset of the war in Ukraine. Both nations were barred from participating in international team competitions, and Russian players have since only been able to compete as individuals, without national symbols such as their flag. The invasion, which began in February 2022, led to a swift response from the global chess community, aligning with sanctions and international sentiment towards the aggression.

Despite rejecting full readmission, FIDE showed some flexibility. The General Assembly voted to allow the council to explore the possibility of letting Russian and Belarusian players under the age of 12 or with disabilities compete in future chess events. This was part of a broader recommendation by the FIDE council, which had advocated for "a balanced and humanitarian approach" to the issue. 

FIDE clarified that it would consult with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) before making a final decision on this matter. "We believe this approach upholds FIDE's commitment to inclusivity while respecting the international framework," the council explained.

On this matter, Norwegian chess champion Magnus Carlsen expressed his opinion last Thursday in Budapest at the gala organised by FIDE to award him the title of Best Player of All Time. The young chess player took the opportunity to pay tribute to champion Garry Kasparov, who is currently an exiled opponent of Vladimir Putin.

Carlsen stated that Garry Kasparov had done more than he had to deserve this recognition and that it felt odd for it to be awarded to an active player. "Of course, I’m happy to receive this award, but I still think Garry has had a better chess career than mine. I understand why it has been given to me, but he deserved it more."

In his second comment, he was more direct. "In honour of Garry, I’m sure he would use this opportunity to advise against lifting the punishment on the Chess Federations of Russia and Belarus, so that’s what I would do as well."